<<

Present

Meredith Willson’s

Book, Music, and Lyrics by Story by Meredith Willson and

James Armstrong Theatre Torrance, California July 17-25, 2015 Previous Shows by The Aerospace Players

2014: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum 2013: 2012: Bye, Bye, Birdie 2012: Camelot 2011: Upon a Mattress 2010: 2009: Brigadoon 2009: 2008: 2007: 2006: 2005: Kiss Me Kate 2005: 1776 2004: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat 2003: 2002: Oklahoma! 2001: How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying 2000: Oliver! 2000: 1999: 1998: 1998: Little Shop of Horrors 1997: Hello Dolly! 1997: Once Upon a Mattress 1996: 1995: Sugar 1994: Guys and Dolls 1993: Bye, Bye, Birdie 1992: Oklahoma! 1991: Finian’s Rainbow 1990: Damn Yankees 1990: Playing Our 1989: 1988: Grease

The Aerospace Players present

Meredith Willson’s The Music Man

Book, Music, and Lyrics by Meredith Willson Story by Meredith Willson and Franklin Lacey

James Armstrong Theatre Torrance, California July 17-25, 2015

Concessions Snacks and beverages are available in the lobby at intermission.

50/50 Drawing The winner receives 50% of the money collected at each performance. The winning number will be posted in the lobby at the end of each performance.

Actor/Orchestra-Grams: $1 each “Wish them Luck for Only a Buck” All proceeds support The Aerospace Players production costs – Enjoy the Show!

Director’s Note

Welcome to The Aerospace Players’ production of The Music Man. We are delighted to present the culmination of three months’ hard work by a group of over 100 people. We would like to thank the City of Torrance and the staff of the James Armstrong theatre for their support. Robert Meredith Willson was born in Mason City, on 18 May 1902, which is the original setting for The Music Man. In 1950, with no income and little encouragement, Meredith worked on his play for five long years. The original musical was much too long at three hours and needed to be cut; Meredith had written 40 , but 22 were dropped. He and his wife continuously auditioned with producers throughout the years, promoting the musical. Finally, Meredith Willson’s The Music Man opened on Broadway on 19 December 1957 and went on for a 1375 performance run. The cast album won the very first Grammy Award ever presented. The Music Man won eight with Willson winning for Best Musical Author and Best Composer and Lyricist. The movie version won the Academy Award for Best Musical Score. Beatle fans may remember Paul McCartney singing the love ballad “” from The Music Man on their 1964 album Meet . Willson also wrote the Fight Song. Willson was educated at Damrosch Institute of Musical Art (now known as The ). He was the solo flautist with John Phillip Sousa’s band from 1921 to 1923 and he played flute in the under the direction of from 1924 to 1929. Willson scored Chaplin’s and Hellman’s The Little Foxes. I would like to thank the entire cast, crew, and production team for all their hard work and dedication. They are a wonderful group of people who have made many sacrifices to help the production. So now sit back and enjoy the show. John Woodcock

ACT ONE Overture ...... Orchestra Scene 1 A Railway Coach, Morning, July 4, 1912 Rock Island ...... Charlie Cowell and Traveling Salesmen Scene 2 River City, Iowa, Town Center, immediately following ...... Townspeople of River City (Ya Got) Trouble ...... Harold Hill and Townspeople Scene 3 A Street, immediately following Scene 4 The Paroo House, that evening Piano Lesson ...... Marian, Mrs Paroo, and Amaryllis Goodnight, My Someone ...... Marian Scene 5 Madison Gymnasium, thirty minutes later Seventy-Six Trombones ...... Harold, Townspeople Sincere ... Quartet (Olin Britt, Oliver Hix, Ewart Dunlop, Jacey Squires) Scene 6 Outside Madison Library, immediately following The Sadder-But-Wiser Girl ...... Harold, Marcellus Pick-a-Little (Talk-a-Little) ...... Eulalie, Maud, Ethel, Alma, ...... Mrs Squires, and Ladies Goodnight, Ladies...... Quartet Scene 7 Madison Library, immediately following Marian the Librarian ...... Harold, Boys and Girls Scene 8 A Street, the following Saturday afternoon Scene 9 The Shinn House, immediately following Scene 10 The Paroo Porch, that evening My White Knight ...... Marian Scene 11 Town Center, noon, the following Saturday The Wells Fargo Wagon ...... Winthrop, Townspeople Intermission

ACT TWO

Scene 1 Madison Gymnasium, the following Tuesday evening It’s You ...... The Quartet ...... Marcellus, Harold, Marian and Townspeople Pick-a-Little (Talk-a-Little) () ...... Eulalie, Maud, Ethel, Alma, Mrs Squires and Ladies Scene 2 The Paroo Porch, the following Wednesday evening Lida Rose ...... Quartet Will I Ever Tell You ...... Marian Scene 3 The Paroo Porch, immediately following Gary, Indiana ...... Winthrop, Mrs Paroo, Marian Lida Rose (reprise) ...... Quartet Scene 4 The Footbridge, fifteen minutes later Till There Was You ...... Marian, Harold Scene 5 The Footbridge, immediately following Seventy-six Trombones/Goodnight, My Someone (reprise) ...... Harold and Marian Scene 6 Madison Gymnasium, a few minutes later Till There Was You (reprise) ...... Harold Scene 7 Madison Gymnasium, immediately following Finale ...... Entire

The Music Man Is presented through special with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. 421 West 54th Street, New York, NY 10019 Phone: 212-541-4684 Fax: 212-397-4684 www.MTIShows.com

☞ Videotaping of this show is prohibited.

Keep on swinging, Mary, −Eric and Diane

Cast (in order of appearance) TRAVELING SALESMEN Bob Minnichelli, Mark Pasano, Mike Riccio, Tim Wade, Travis Wheaton NEWSPAPER READERS Craig Harris, Ryan Raleigh, James Hall

Conductor ...... Tony McQuilkin Charlie Cowell ...... Kevin Wheaton Harold Hill ...... Jason Stout George Shinn ...... John Nolan Ewart Dunlop ...... Bob Minnichelli Oliver Hix ...... Dave Champagne Jacey Squires ...... Nikolas Corzine Olin Britt ...... Michael DeBartolo Marcellus Washburn ...... Matt Garber Tommy Djilas ...... Jacob Helfgott Marian Paroo ...... Karin Fraser Mrs Paroo ...... Lisa Stout Amaryllis ...... Brenna Piller Winthrop Paroo ...... Benjamin Stout Eulalie Mackecknie Shinn ...... Sherry Erickson Zaneeta Shinn ...... Angela Asch Gracie Shinn ...... Zoe Forest Alma Hix ...... Sue Brennan Maude Dunlop ...... Susane Button Ethel Toffelmier ...... Erin Beck Mrs Squires ...... Nancy Brennan Constable Locke ...... John Ranaudo

PICK-A-LITTLE LADIES Nancy Arnold, Gretchen Harris, Heidi Johnson, Robin Wohlman

WA TAN YE GIRLS Adeline Hall, Fiona Okida, Sophie Forest, Zoe Forest, Angela Asch, Brenna Piller

ENSEMBLE Nancy Arnold, Michele Ayers, Adrienne Farley, Gwendolyn Fleischer, Sophie Forest, Max Grupenhagen, Adeline Hall, James Hall, Craig Harris, Gretchen Harris, Michael Heidner, Donna Imhoff, Heidi Johnson, Mary Kay, Bud Krause, Carol LeDoux, Justice Mason, Tony McQuilkin, Noah Mindess, Audely Norsworthy, Fiona Okida, Shannon Pallone, Mark Pasano, Regina Raleigh, Ryan Raleigh,John Ranaudo, Mike Riccio, Megan Stout, Michael Stout, Naomi Stout, Ariel Swift, Tim Wade, Travis Wheaton, Robin Wohlman

Production Crew

Director ...... John Woodcock Assistant Director ...... Kevin Wheaton Assistant to the Directors ...... Susan Tabak Producer ...... Susan Tabak Assistant Producer ...... JoMarie Rosser Musical Director ...... Pat Zuk Assistant Musical Director ...... Bob Minnichelli Choreographer ...... Angela Asch Dance Captain ...... Erin Beck Costume Coordinator ...... Susan Norris Properties...... Ida Miller-Krause Programs ...... Tony McQuilkin Publicity ...... Kim Everett Set Design ...... Megan Hughes Art & Graphic Design ...... Robin Wohlman TAP Technical Directors ...... Tammy Choy, Chuck Gustafson Technical Assistant ...... Taylin Kamimoto & Make-up ...... Karen Hill, Patty Jarvis, ...... Susane Button, Jeanine Barba Rehearsal Pianists ...... Pat Zuk, Dave Boyer, Debbie Minnichelli Videographer ...... James Starr Photographer ...... John Nolan Seamstresses ..... Martha Amour, Nancy Arnold, Nancy Brennan, Sue Brennan, ...... Susane Button, Maria Cohen, Vivian Ibarra, Donna Imhoff, ...... Patty Jarvis, Ruth Jackson, Susan Norris, Yelena Yushenko Tickets ...... Susan Tabak Concessions ...... Molly Hughes, Marilee Wheaton, ...... Courtney McManus, KC Hughes, JoMarie Rosser, Monica Owens, ...... Lawrence A. Moreno, Alanna Wheaton, Wistan Sakamoto House Managers ...... Ozzie Vinueza, Monique Camou, Brian Mehl Stage Manager ...... Henry Moreta Light Board Operator ...... Edgar Calderon Sound Technician ...... Atsushi Watanabe Fly Rail Operators ...... Tim Edmondson Spot Operators ...... Robert Richardson, Charles Burke Armstrong Technical Director ...... Chris Adame Online Media ...... Chuck Gustafson Backstage crew ...... Chuck Gustafson, Taylin Kamimoto, & cast members AEA Liaison ...... Brian Kasper

Orchestra Conductor ...... Mark Aguero Violin...... Joe Derthick (concertmaster), Karen Lawrence, ...... Colleen Okida, Carole Ellis, Ellen Woodyard, ...... Allyson Bates, Diane Bohl, Bianca Lara Cello ...... Bob Boren, Audrey Irwin Bass ...... Steve Fry Reeds ...... Karen Case, Andy Meyer, Dane Teter, ...... Mike Munson, Bill Malcolm Trumpets ...... Brian Lim, Dave Ploen, Kris Kadir Trombones...... Pat Lenertz, Travis Patrick, Drew Gamet, John Dusenberry Piano ...... Dave Boyer Percussion ...... Debbie Minnichelli Orchestra Management ...... Debbie Minnichelli

Set Construction & Painting Set Construction Lead ...... Michael Riccio

Nancy Arnold Michael Heidner Regina Raleigh Michelle Ayres Elizabeth Hestevold Ryan Raleigh Erin Beck Donna Imhoff John Ranaudo Carol Bradley Mary Kay Jerry Smart John Bruner Bob Manning Jason Stout Charles Burke Vasilli Martin Ariel Swift Michael DeBartolo Tony McQuilkin Susan Tabak Sherry Erickson Brian Mehl Kevin Wheaton Chuck Gustafson Roger Metzler Travis Wheaton James Hall Bob Minnichelli Robin Wohlman Bruce Harper Steve Norris John Woodcock Craig Harris Mark Pasano

Interesting Facts  The first six scenes in Act I take place on July 4, 1912. This was the first day of the 48-star flag; New Mexico and Arizona had been admitted as states earlier that year.  The Model T Ford was built between 1908 and 1927, and was considered the first inexpensive automobile, making automobiles accessible to middle-class Americans.

See more interesting facts at the end of the program. For more information, visit http://theater.aeaclubs.org/theater/musicman2015/ or http://tfmcq.altervista.org/theater/music_man/music_man_gloss.html.

Cast and Crew Biographies

Nancy Arnold (Pick-a-Little Lady)—This is the 6th time around for Nancy in a TAP production, and she is very happy to be back. She had a wonderful career directing children’s choirs and musicals, and now she’s performing in them. Her retirement is now spent with her two granddaughters, volunteering in the community and traveling the world with her boyfriend.

Angela Asch (Zaneeta Shinn, Choreographer)—Angela is thrilled to be back with TAP. Past roles: Philia (Forum), Nellie (South Pacific), Hedy (H2$), Dodger (Oliver). Other credits: Rosemary (H2$), Lola (Damn Yankees), Alice (You Can’t Take It With You), Amy (Little Women), Maria (Twelfth Night). Dance roles: Downey CLO (, Singin’ in the Rain), TCC (Anything Goes) El Camino College (Guys & Dolls), San Diego CLO (Hello Dolly). Angela teaches 5th grade. “Much love to husband Jeff for his support and mom, Heidi for ‘dancing’ by my side!”

Michele Ayers (Ensemble)—Michele is excited to be part of TAP’s The Music Man. Her previous performances include: The Country Wright Cabaret, MM, and Fiddler on the Roof (Neighborhood Church), , No No Nanette, and Good News (Norris), and (MBCC). She sang lead in the High Fidelity and performs with her trio Michele Ayers and Friends. Michele sends a special thanks to Bill.

Erin Beck (Ethel Toffelmeier)—Erin is thrilled to join TAP for the first time! Favorite credits include saving the studio as Ella in Swing Out, towering with Gymnasia’s spear in Forum, and lamenting as Joy in Cinderella. She daylights as a Dragon Mission Director for SpaceX and thanks TAP for giving engineers a place to dance their hearts out. Erin also thanks her cast and crew for their endless enthusiasm, her Okie folks−yessssir! −and her knight in shining UnderArmor, José.

Nancy Brennan (Mrs Squires)—Nancy is delighted to be making her 11th appearance with TAP. Previous TAP shows include Forum, , Camelot, The Producers, and Joseph. She has performed in many shows at MBCC and she is a member of The Notables. She also took the stage at Downey Civic Light Opera in Forum and The Music Man.

Sue Brennan (Alma Hix)—Sue is “agog, simply agog” to be making her 14th appearance with TAP. Previous TAP shows include Forum (Geminae); Bye, Bye Birdie (Mrs MacAffee); The Producers (Usherette); Camelot (Morgan Le Fey); Brigadoon (Jane Ashton); and Big River (Widow Douglas). MBCC shows include State Fair (Emily) and Mame (Gloria Upson). She is a member of the Notables. She and her twin sister Nancy performed with the Downey Civic Light Opera. Sue is a member of SAG/AFTRA.

Break a leg Mary, Lots of Love. −Ellen

Susane Button (Maude Dunlop)—Susane graduated El Camino as a theater major after being a three-time winner on the Ted Mack Amateur Hour, then toured as a dancer with Disney on . She has also danced on concert and variety shows, and acted in TV pilots and commercials. She is now a hair stylist. A few years ago she joined Cup of Water, MBCC, The Notables, and Act II in PV. She’s been working and acting with TAP since 2011.

Dave Champagne (Oliver Hix)—Involved with TAP since 1994 as a pit musician, this is Dave’s third time on stage. You may have seen him in Cabaret playing an on-stage piano player, and as the Highland bagpiper in Brigadoon. Dave also performs with the La Mirada Symphony, is a studio musician, and a SAG/AFTRA actor appearing in films, commercials and on TV shows including the “The Mentalist,” “Free Agents,” and “The Suite Life of Zack & Cody.”

Nikolas Corzine (Jacey Squires)—Music Man marks Nik’s return to the stage after a seven year hiatus and he couldn’t be more excited! Favorite previous shows include Beauty and the Beast (Cogsworth) and Joseph (Naphtali). He would like to thank his family and girlfriend for their unconditional love and support. He would not be up here tonight without you!

Michael DeBartolo (Olin Britt)—TAP shows include Forum (Hysterium), 1776 (John Dickinson). Starred in Ushers Matrimony music video (Minister), ID Channel’s Unusual Suspects (Bill Morrisey), PBS Adventures with Baaco (Mr Dean). Other TV: State of Affairs, Jane the Virgin, Mad Men, Vegas, Brooklyn 99, Dads, 90210, CSI: New York, Make It or Break It, Windfall. One man Dean Martin stage show featured on Cable. Recent films: Hail Caesar!, . Stage favorites: 12 Angry Men (Juror 7), Guys and Dolls (Nathan).

Sherry Erickson (Mrs Shinn)—Sherry Erickson has performed for over 35 years in many productions in the South Bay, including her favorite roles as the Abbess in Sound of Music, Mrs Paroo in MM, and Aunt Eller in Oklahoma. Sherry leads the Cup of Water Players, a group of actor/singers who for the last 21 years perform their versions of Broadway musicals for retirement homes, convalescent hospitals, senior groups, and clubs. Sherry also sings with Los Cancioneros and thanks the Lord for her voice!

Adrienne Fairley (Ensemble)—Adrienne is a graduate of El Camino College and performed in various musicals back when she was in elementary school. She is thrilled to be back on the stage in this, her second TAP show, having played Tintinabula last year in Forum.

Gwendolyn Fleischer (Ensemble)—This is Gwendolyn’s third production with TAP. She teaches piano and singing with Torrance Adult School and teaches all ages privately. For senior citizens classes she writes and directs reader’s theater productions. This L.A. native has also been involved in comedy productions. She can be seen riding around the South Bay on her motor bike.

Sophie Forest (Ensemble)—Sophie is thrilled to have her acting debut with TAp in The Music Man. A fifth grader at Center Street School, Sophie plays the clarinet in band and takes dance lessons at The Studio Art of Dance. She became interested in acting by watching her older sister Zoe’s performances.

Zoe Forest (Gracie Shinn)—Zoe is thrilled to join TAP in The Music Man. Zoe is a Junior at El Segundo High School. Past performances include: Beauty and the Beast (ESHS); The Investigation (ESHS); Turn up the Music with the Young Americans (ESHS) The Diary of Anne Frank (Bedford JHS, Bedford, TX); The King and I (Key MS, Springfield VA); The Voices of Now (KMS, Springfield, VA). Zoe first became interested in acting while taking summer classes at the Institute for the Arts in Springfield, VA.

Kärin Frasier (Marian Paroo)—Kärin has been seen in, directed, and produced theatrical productions since the age of 16 and for over 20 years here in the South Bay, most recently in TAP’s Camelot, and as Rosa Bud in The Mystery of Edwin Drood at Neighborhood Playhouse in PVE. Rumor is she began singing before talking, and so has many musicals to her credit. Kärin has had the privilege of performing at the opening ceremonies of a Special Olympics and for our service men and women through the USO.

Matt Garber (Marcellus)—Matt has been performing in the Armstrong for thirteen years now, so this theater is like a second home. Favorite roles include The Cat in the Hat in Seussical! The Musical, Nicely Nicely Johnson in Guys and Dolls, and Hero in Forum. When not on stage, Matt teaches special education, plays guitar, and plays with his fat pug, Wally.

Max Grupenhagen (Ensemble)—Max has performed in several musical shows including operettas in his native . The South Bay has made it possible to perform in twelve Prime Time Players productions at the Norris Theater, currently with Cup of Water Players in South Pacific, Oklahoma, and Good News, as well as shows with PSPA and MBCC. This is Max’s second show with TAP, and it has been great to join with this fun-loving and dedicated group of performers.

Adeline Hall (Ensemble)—Addy is entering 8th grade this fall. She has studied ballet, , piano, voice and viola and has performed in Little School of Horrors, as Mowgli in The Jungle Book, in The Miracle Worker at Kentwood Players, where she was nominated for a “Best Cameo” award, and Broadway in the Park’s Joseph and The Wizard of Oz. She is thrilled to be in The Music Man with her Dad, James.

James Hall (Ensemble)—James is elated to return to the stage after a 28 year hiatus. Having played the lead in The Journey of Jonathan Trueworth and notable roles in and One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest, James appreciates the chance to recapture his performing chops. James thanks Woody for the opportunity to join his daughter Addy on stage in The Music Man.

Craig Harris (Newspaper Reader)—After a year working on stage crew, Craig took quite an extended break from theater to spend his days surfing and running a housing company with his brother. He is very grateful to Woody and Susan for the opportunity to be in The Music Man with Gretchen, his wife of 25 years, and with the rest of this talented and inspirational cast.

Gretchen Harris (Pick-a-Little Lady)—Plays include The Playroom, Finian’s Rainbow, and with the Brennan sisters, all back in the day. Gretchen was a Theater Arts major, but decided to go musical, recording eight Christian albums, singing weekly at several local churches, and performing in concert throughout the US and internationally. She is absolutely delighted to do this show with her super cooperative and surprisingly talented husband Craig. www.gretchenharris.com

Michael Heidner (Ensemble)—Michael is performing in his 10th show with TAP and considers himself lucky that TAP continues to put up with his quirky antics. Michael would also like to thank his family, friends, and cast mates who have helped him become a better actor, friend, and person. His hope is that he has helped those around him to do the same.

Jacob Helfgott (Tommy Djilas)—The Music Man is Jacob’s sixth production with TAP; he was previously seen in Forum, The King and I, Brigadoon, Mattress, and Bye Bye Birdie. In 8th grade, he played Schroeder in the school’s production of You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. He has just graduated from high school, and will be attending El Camino College in the fall. He also enjoys playing clarinet, hockey, chess, and running track and cross country.

Karen Hill (Makeup & Hair)—Karen is a consultant for Mary Kay by day, and she has been doing hair and makeup for TAP productions since 1999. Since 2009, Karen has done TAP hair and makeup with various partners. Karen thanks Carol Hitchcock for introducing her to the Green Room, which holds laughter, stories, gags, challenges, talented cast members and good friends, and she thanks TAP for all the friendships made over the years.

Donna Imhoff (Ensemble)—This is Donna’s third appearance with TAP having previously appeared in Brigadoon and Camelot. Retirement has allowed her to resume dance lessons with Liz Cantine and to become a member of her Tap Happy dance troop. Donna enjoys being a member of TAP and being a part of this terrific cast.

Heidi Johnson (Pick-a-Little Lady)—This is Heidi’s 8th production with TAP, stemming back as far as 1993 where she played the mother in Bye Bye Birdie. She played Sweet Sue in Sugar and played Mrs Sowerberry in Oliver. When she isn’t performing with TAP, she is involved with the theater productions at MBCC. She is the music teacher at St James school in Torrance and teaches piano lessons. She is the mom of Angie, who choreographed this and many other TAP shows. “I always have such fun performing with my daughter in these wonderful productions.” Mary Kay (Ensemble)—The Music Man is Mary’s 6th TAP show. She has been seen in Forum, The King and I, Brigadoon, Bye Bye Birdie, Mattress, and The Producers. As a Prime Time Player, Mary appeared in Good News, Kiss Me Kate, No No Nanette, 70 Girls 70, and she was Mrs O’Malley in Funny Girl. She has performed at Carnegie Hall with her church choir. Mary thanks her husband, Howard, for his love and support.

Arthur “Bud” Krause (Ensemble)—Bud has performed and contributed in almost every show with TAP since 1996 for a total of 22 shows. Thank you to all the wonderful friends I have made over the years. What a blast.

Carol LeDoux (Ensemble)—Carol is excited to be back with TAP. She was previously in the chorus of Bye Bye Birdie and Brigadoon. She is enjoying sharing this experience with her teenage son Jacob (Tommy Djilas). After thirty years as an engineer at Aerospace, Carol has recently retired. She is taking photography classes and learning how to play the saxophone.

Tony McQuilkin (Conductor, Programs)—Tony is in his 16th show with TAP. He is reprising the role of the conductor he perfected previously in Bye Bye Birdie. Favorite roles: Counselor Robinson (Big River), Harrison Howell (Kiss Me Kate), Witherspoon (1776), and Cord Elam (Oklahoma!). Tony sings with The Notables, The Concert Singers, and his church choir. A college math teacher, he enjoys both Scottish and English country dancing.

Ida Miller-Krause (Properties)—Ida became involved with TAP in 1997 as prop mistress for Hello Dolly. Since then she has worked on Little Shop of Horrors, Damn Yankees, The Music Man, City of Angels, Oliver!, H2$, Oklahoma!, Guys and Dolls, Joseph, Kiss Me Kate, Big River, South Pacific, My Fair Lady, Cabaret, Brigadoon, The Producers, Mattress, Birdie, The King and I, and Forum. She has enjoyed her TAP experiences and made many great and lasting friendships being involved with the group.

Noah Mindess (Ensemble)—The Music Man is Noah’s debut performance with TAP. In addition to singing, Noah enjoys soccer, football, basketball, track, and swimming. He is spending this summer as an L.A. County Junior Lifeguard and he will enter 6th grade in the fall. Noah thanks Woody, Susan and his choir director, Ellen Steinmetz, for this amazing opportunity to perform with TAP, with the support of his biggest fans, his family.

Bob Minnichelli (Ewart Dunlop, Salesman)—This is Bob’s 26th TAP production in roles from Sound Board Operator to Director and many stage roles. Favorites include Tevye, Max Bialystock, Nicely-Nicely, Smokey, Harold Hill, Seymour, Ben Franklin, Pellinore, and directing Cabaret. He plays an engineer in his day job as the Principal Director of the Architecture and Design Subdivision at Aerospace. Bob appreciates the bellbanger in the pit for her percussive love and support, and Joey’s patience tolerating many rehearsals! John Nolan (Mayor Shinn)—Another summer, another TAP show (this makes #12). Memorable past shows include Forum (Marcus Lycus), The King and I (Sir Edward Ramsay), The Producers (Bryan), and Big River (Pap Finn). John works as a rocket scientist for Aerospace to help support his musical theater habit. Big thanks go out to his favorite fan Peggy for her support and help.

Susan Norris (Costume Coordinator)—Susan has directed and/or costumed Cinderella, Meet Me in St. Louis, The Pirates of Penzance, Treasure Island, Sleeping Beauty, and numerous Shakespeare plays. Last year she costumed as well as produced Forum for TAP. Much love to my husband, Steve, for once again putting up with costume stuff all over the house, and THANK YOU to the cast for so many donations!

Audely Norsworthy (Ensemble)—The Music Man is Audely’s first TAP show. She has a deep love for the arts: she takes harp, voice and cello lessons, and conducts a music symposium twice a year in her home for talented young people. Audely works in the Neonatal Unit and is a lactation educator. She just recently became a certified makeup artist.

Fiona Okida (Wa Tan Ye Girl)—Fiona’s prior TAP appearance was Princess Ying Yaowalak in The King and I. Her favorite roles include Bielke (Fiddler on the Roof), Ngana (South Pacific), Little Ti Moune (Once On This Island), Amaryllis (The Music Man), and Gretl (The Sound of Music). Other shows include Ragtime, Candide, Carousel, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Joseph, Little Shop of Horrors, and The Miracle Worker. Thanks to Angie, Woody, Pat, and Susan.

Shannon Pallone (Ensemble)—The Music Man marks Shannon’s return to the stage after an 18 year absence. Back then she was seen as Jenny in Company, Hodel in Fiddler on the Roof, Julie in Carousel, and Marian in The Music Man. More recently she produced the play Miss Julie at the Powerhouse Theater in Santa Monica. Shannon is excited to be making her TAP debut with this production.

Mark Pasano (Salesman)—Mark makes his return to TAP after a long work-related hiatus. He is thrilled to perform with his colleagues, friends and extended family (new and old). By day he is a System Engineer at Northrop Grumman Aerospace. He presides over and sings with the company chorale and plays guitar for fun and relaxation. He thanks his wife and daughter for allowing him this indulgence.

Brenna Piller (Amaryllis)—Brenna is thrilled to be making her TAP debut in The Music Man and to have the opportunity to perform with such a talented cast and production team! Brenna is 10 years old and has been acting since she was five. Her past favorite roles have included Fizzy in Bugsy Malone, Jane in Peter Pan, and Teen Fiona in Shrek the Musical. Brenna hopes to someday have a successful career in acting, both stage and film.

Regina Raleigh (Ensemble)—Previously appearing in Bye Bye Birdie as part of the teen chorus, Regina is excited to be back performing in her second show with TAP. Although this is only her second time on stage, she can be found on the big screen as an extra in the movie Guilt Trip. She is a graduate from CSULB with a BS in Criminal Justice. It’s aca-awesome!

Ryan Raleigh (Ensemble)—Ryan is thrilled to be a part of his third production with TAP and delighted to be part of such an amazing company! When Ryan is not studying child development and pursuing his of working with children you will see him on the stage acting, singing, and dancing. Ryan has been in numerous shows throughout his years. Previous roles include , Mattress, Footloose, Spy School, and Back to the 80’s. He is very excited to see what the Wells Fargo wagon may bring him!

John Ranaudo (Constable)—Bye Bye Birdie was John’s first foray into theater. He has performed in chorus and choir from junior high through college. He also did his part as a baby boomer by playing guitar and singing in coffee shops and bars while he was in college.

Mike Riccio (Salesman)—With a hand in sets & tech and trumpet from the pit since school days, Mike is approaching 100 shows. He has performed on- stage in many TAP shows–including Hello Dolly, MM, and Damn Yankees quartets, and Little Shop–and sings in church choir. Happy to again be in a TAP company with many friends, he hopes you enjoy our “trouble”–a word we don’t like to hear around the theater… unless it’s in the book!

JoMarie Rosser (Assistant Producer)—JoMarie has appeared on stage with TAP as Maud Dunlop in TAP’s first production of The Music Man, as the cigar-smoking madam in City of Angels, and in Brigadoon and My Fair Lady, but she prefers to wear the hat of producer or co- or asst. producer. This is the 15th show where she has worn that hat. Production credits include Little Shop of Horrors, City of Angels, 1776, Brigadoon, Damn Yankees, My Fair Lady, South Pacific, Oklahoma!, The Music Man (1999), The Producers, Camelot, Bye Bye Birdie, The King and I, and Forum.

Benjamin Stout (Winthrop)— Benjamin is very happy to be in his 3rd TAP production, having appeared in Bye Bye Birdie and The King and I. Benjamin loves reading, drawing, riding his scooter, ice cream, Angry Birds and anything to do with Minecraft.

Jason Stout (Harold Hill)—Jason is pleased to be in his 5th production with TAP. He was previously seen in Camelot, Once Upon a Mattress, Bye Bye Birdie and The King and I. He has had significant roles in some community productions, including The Garden, Broadway Bound, and Finding the Christmas Star. Jason’s voice can be heard in major motion picture trailers. For real work, Jason is a software development manager for Aerospace. And, ironically, he actually does play the trombone.

Lisa Stout (Mrs Paroo)—Three summers ago Lisa played Mae Peterson in Bye Bye Birdie. Previous TAP shows include The King and I, Once Upon a Mattress and Camelot. Other roles include Nerissa in The Merchant of Venice, Gertie in Oklahoma, and Hermia in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. She enjoys reading, dancing, teaching, and flying on a trapeze. Her favorite role is being a stay-at-home mom to her four little performers.

Megan Stout (Ensemble)—Megan is six years old and happy to be in her second TAP production. She was also in The King and I and loved singing in her Kindergarten Spring Sing. Megan loves making up songs, playing with her dolls and planning fashion shows.

Michael Stout (Ensemble)—This is Michael’s 2nd time on stage with TAP having appeared in The King and I. He loves math, playing Legos, and Super Mario Bros.

Naomi Stout (Ensemble)—Introducing the youngest member of the Stout Clan. Naomi, who is five, is happy to be in her first production. She loves laughing, building blanket forts, and being silly. She hopes you enjoy our show and you let music fill your soul every day.

Ariel Swift (Ensemble)—Ariel is appearing in her 4th TAP show, having played Vibrata in Forum, a royal wife in The King and I, and Alice in Bye Bye Birdie. She graduated from CSUDH with a B.A. in English Language and Linguistics and acts as Marketing Coordinator for a local beauty publisher and distributor. Ariel sends her love and gratitude to the production team, her friends and families, and especially her boyfriend, Travis, whom she met through TAP.

Susan Tabak (Producer)—In 1995, Susan performed in her first TAP play, Sugar, and since then has been involved with 19 plays—on stage, producing, or assistant producing. By day, she is a Systems Engineer at Northrop Grumman. Thanks to the cast and crew for their hard work and long hours and to my husband John for all his support.

Tim Wade (Salesman)—This is Tim’s 9th musical with TAP. Previous appearances: South Pacific, My Fair Lady (Karpathy), Brigadoon, The Producers, Mattress (Sir Studley), Bye Bye Birdie (Harvey Johnson), The King & I, and Forum. His mom Nancy Wade was in the choir The Young Americans, which performed on The Show. Tim is a huge fan of Disney. He is excited doing this show and he wonders what his tenth is going to be next year!

Kevin Wheaton (Charlie Cowell)—Kevin has been engaged in TAP for more than a decade. He began in 2000 back stage in Oliver with his twins, Alanna and Travis. His favorite roles include Jeff Douglas in Brigadoon, Issachar in Joseph, The Wizard in Mattress, and one of Doolittle’'s cronies in My Fair Lady. Kevin is a Project Engineer in Project West Wing at Aerospace. In his spare time, he likes to solve puzzles; you’ll usually find him playing Sudoku on his iPad.

Travis Wheaton (Salesman)—Travis is pleased to see so many happy faces watching him in his glory. This is Travis’s 10th show with TAP. His favorite shows include: Bye Bye Birdie (Arthur), The Producers (Old Lady), and Big River (Simon). Travis is happy to be performing again with his beautiful girlfriend, Ariel. He will soon receive his Masters in Education at California State University Dominguez Hills.

Robin Wohlman (TAP Artist; Ensemble)—Favorite past TAP roles: Princess #12 (Once Upon a Mattress), Kate (Brigadoon), and the Reporter (Bye Bye Birdie). Offstage, Robin has illustrated a children’s book Tex Rex: Octopus Rex Rides the Range by Barbara Hart, designed the original logo for the musical The Rose Bowl Queens, and provides artistic support to the Sertoma Baseball and Ice Skating Camps for hearing-impaired children.

John Woodcock (Director)—This is John’s 30th TAP show. Favorite roles include the Fiddler in Fiddler on the Roof, Spats in Sugar, Sir Dinadan in Camelot, and Erronius in Forum. He has directed productions of Bye Bye Birdie and Guys and Dolls. John is a retired Air Force Lt. Colonel. Much love and many thanks to his wife Susan—I couldn’t have done this without you!

Pat Zuk (Musical Director)— Singing with other TAP members in the South Bay Master Chorale led Pat to TAP. She is an accomplished pianist and has played both in the U.S. and in her home country, . Pat has a PhD in Molecular and Cell Biology from Wayne State University and is Assistant Professor of Biology at West LA College, in addition to maintaining her research lab at the School of Medicine at UCLA. Pat is proud to work with this talented group of performers again.

Abbreviations used: Aerospace = The Aerospace Corporation Forum = A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum H2$ = How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying Joseph = Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Mattress = Once Upon a Mattress MM = The Music Man TAP = The Aerospace Players

Mary Kay giving you all my love for the best performance ever. −Howard

The Aerospace Players on the web: www.aeaclubs.org/theater

To a Wonderful Cast and Crew

Many Hours – Many Friends – Many Memories…

Break a Leg!!!

Woody and Susan

Have a wonderful performance, Mary −Liz

Additional Thanks:

Special thanks to Tom Phillips, Larry Watts, and to Lyn Coulter of MBCC and cast members for the loan of costumes!

To Audely Norsworthy, our Rehearsal Caterer!!!

To Dave Champagne, Dane Teter, Colleen Okida, Heather Forest, Sherry Erickson for the loan of their instruments!

To Jennifer Johnson Mindess, Heather Forest, and other parents for watching over the children, making sure they were safe, and getting them on stage when they needed to be there, never missing an entrance.

To Travis Wheaton, Chuck Gustafson, Gretchen & Craig Harris, John Ranaudo, and the Minnichellis for offering their homes for our parties. And to Travis for hosting the read through and the “last Thursday night at the church” parties as well.

More Interesting Facts

 The town of River City was based on Meredith Willson’s home town of Mason City, Iowa. Mason City is commonly referred to as the “River City”, as the city grew up centered on the Winnebago River. But if the train trip originated in Rock Island IL, the River City in this story seems to be located in Davenport, the first city in Iowa across the Mississippi from Illinois. But another possibility is that the train entered Iowa on the Rock Island line from the north, from Minnesota, probably originating in St Paul, and arrived in the real “River City”, that is, Mason City. Mason City is about 50 miles from the border, so the train would have been traveling in Iowa for an hour or more before stopping in River City. Mason City is located in Cerro Gordo County, Iowa. It is adjacent to, but independent of, Mason Township.  The Uneeda Biscuit was one of the first crackers sold in a branded package, wrapped in a sanitary package of waxed paper, folded at the top. Previously, crackers were unbranded and sold from a cracker barrel. Mothers would send their young sons to the general store with a paper bag with instructions to fill the bag with crackers from the barrel. The National Biscuit Company used this as part of Uneeda Biscuit advertising symbol, which depicts a boy carrying a pack of Uneeda Biscuit in the rain. In 2009 (after over 110 years), Nabisco discontinued the Uneeda biscuit, concerned that the product was not sufficiently profitable.  The Palmer House is a historic hotel in Chicago, IL. The first hotel, known as “The Palmer”, opened in 1871, but only for 21 days, as it was destroyed in the Great Chicago Fire. Rebuilding began almost immediately, and the Palmer House Hotel opened in 1875. It was seven stories high and was one of the fanciest hotels in the world. It was advertised as the world’s only fireproof hotel. From 1923 to 1925 a new 25-story hotel was built on the site. In 1945, Conrad Hilton acquired the hotel and it became the Palmer House Hilton. It underwent a major renovation from 2007 to 2009, and is now known as The Palmer House - A Hilton Hotel. Chocolate brownies were invented at the Palmer House in 1893.  The song Lida Rose was a late addition to the show, after rehearsals had already started. The Buffalo Bills, the original quartet, wanted another song. Meredith Willson came up with the name from Lida, the name of his mother’s sister, and Rose, short for Rosalie, his mother.  Gary, Indiana, was founded in 1906 by the United States Steel Corporation for its new steel plant, and named for Elbert Henry Gary, the founding chairman of U. S. Steel. (In the film version, but not the stage version, Harold Hill said it was “named for Elbridge Gerry, of judiciary fame”. This is not true. The word gerrymander, however, is named for Elbridge Gerry.) The city of Gary has been declining in population since 1960, mainly due to “white flight”.  The Footbridge in Mason City, Iowa, spans Willow Creek. It is now named the Meredith Willson Footbridge.  In the film version of The Music Man, the motley boys’ band is transformed into a large, precision marching band for the end credits, which then parades around River City (actually the back lot of Warner Bros. Studios). Jack Warner used the U.S.C. marching band for this sequence.

For more information, visit http://theater.aeaclubs.org/theater/musicman2015/ or http://tfmcq.altervista.org/theater/music_man/music_man_gloss.html.